Why a Parish Nurse?  

Do you ever wonder, "Why does First Congregational Church have Parish Nurses?  What do they do?"  Here are some thoughts to be shared with you.

Health is multidimensional including mind, body and spirit.  A person's state of health in one area impacts health in the other areas.  In other words, if you are to be healthy, you need to pay attention to your whole body.  This is called Holistic Care.  For example, have you ever been ill for an extended time and found yourself feeling sad?  Have you ever experienced the power of prayer to lighten the burden of mental or physical illness?

Have you ever considered that your body is a gift from God?  When we baptize a baby, we thank God for this new life.  This recognizes human life as a gift from God.  One way to say thank you to God is to care for ourselves and each other.  Our church mission states, "To Believe Is To Care, To Care Is To Do."  We can practice holistic caring by caring for the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit, remembering that Jesus moved among the people as a healer.

Traditionally, you may think of a nurse in a hospital or clinic setting.  Many nurses are involved with caring for people who are ill.  However, the discipline of nursing is also very concerned with preventing illness through health promotion and education.  When individuals know how to keep their bodies healthy, they may be able to avoid some illnesses.  Nurses offer care.  Providing information on how to keep your body healthy supports and extends the caring of the church for mid and spirit.

Parish Nurses also have the advantage of being available when and where people are already gathered in daily life.  In many settings, especially in large cities, Parish Nurses set up clinics within church buildings and provide direct health care to inner city parishes where members cannot afford usual health care.

What does a Parish Nurse do?

A Parish Nurse is a resource within the church community.  They focus on ways to promote good physical and mental health to compliment the spiritual work we are all involved in together as a church community.  You are familiar with the monthly columns that Nancy Peterson and Susan Lampe write for In the First Place and that they are available to check your blood pressure the first Sunday of each month.  What else does a Parish Nurse do?  A Parish Nurse can help members of the church as a bridge or "interpreter" to the world of physicians and hospitals and nursing homes.  They can help answer questions about medications and treatments.  If you are wondering about whether a loved one may need nursing home care, they can help you evaluate the situation.  If you are concerned about a child's health, they can assist you.  They can advocate for your wishes and needs related to health care.  They work closely with Pastor Al to determine the best way to be of assistance.  They can connect you with community resources.  They welcome the opportunity to minister among you.

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